Preview — Thunderhead
by Douglas Preston

Thunderhead

Nora Kelly, a young archaeologist in Santa Fe, receives a letter written sixteen years ago, yet mysteriously mailed only recently. In it her father, long believed dead, hints at a fantastic discovery that will make him famous and rich---the lost city of an ancient civilization that suddenly vanished a thousand years ago. Now Nora is leading an expedition into a harsh, remoNora Kelly, a young archaeologist in Santa Fe, receives a letter written sixteen years ago, yet mysteriously mailed only recently. In it her father, long believed dead, hints at a fantastic discovery that will make him famous and rich---the lost city of an ancient civilization that suddenly vanished a thousand years ago. Now Nora is leading an expedition into a harsh, remote corner of Utah's canyon country. Searching for her father and his glory, Nora begins t unravel the greatest riddle of American archeology. but what she unearths will be the newest of horrors......more

ebook, 0 pages

Published
July 1st 2001
by Grand Central Publishing
(first published January 1st 1999)

Community Reviews

This is the first Preston/Child book I read. After reading this, I have devoured every single one of their books since. It crackles with intelligence and suspense. It is extremely addictive and the setting is by far one of the most interesting and memorable, practically a character in and of itself. A must read. Plus they continue characters throughout their books, not all at once, but here and there. Smithback and Nora in particular from this book. I loved it!

This the third Preston and Child novel that I have read and I enjoyed it very much. This one did not include agent Pendergast, but did lay the background for how Nora Kelly and Bill Smithback first met, prior to their starring roles in "Cabinet of Curiosities" . The story was continually exciting and had just the right blend of detailed archaeology and the hint of the supernatural. This was a straight up adventure novel with the details of the expedition exceptionally well drawn and the characteThis the third Preston and Child novel that I have read and I enjoyed it very much. This one did not include agent Pendergast, but did lay the background for how Nora Kelly and Bill Smithback first met, prior to their starring roles in "Cabinet of Curiosities" . The story was continually exciting and had just the right blend of detailed archaeology and the hint of the supernatural. This was a straight up adventure novel with the details of the expedition exceptionally well drawn and the characters all contributing to the realistic atmosphere of life on the trail. These guys really know how to tell an exciting and scary story, which is simultaneously well grounded in reality. This story doesn't require as much of a suspension of disbelief as the other books of theirs that I have read. All of the events are consistent with the real world, even if some of the timing was a little convenient. What I especially like is how well these folks lay the foundation for the perils which threaten each of the characters. I am continually impressed by how well they build suspense prior to the opening of each door in Santa Fe or the passing of each concealed or dangerous area along the trail. Very few movies contain as much suspense and action as this book. I I have to mention one personal aspect of this book. It reminded me of all the adventure stories I read as young teenager, immersing me in the expedition and keeping me enthralled to the very end....more

Easily my favorite of all the books cowritten by these authors. I remember being absolutely hooked by this book, experiencing the adrenaline rush in real-time, the first time I read it, and I've reread it countless times since then. Perhaps I like it better because it doesn't have FBI Special Agent Pendergast in it (who has become rather unbelievable in the most recent Preston/Child books). As always with these authors' better books, the interwoven archaeological facts and level of detail are imEasily my favorite of all the books cowritten by these authors. I remember being absolutely hooked by this book, experiencing the adrenaline rush in real-time, the first time I read it, and I've reread it countless times since then. Perhaps I like it better because it doesn't have FBI Special Agent Pendergast in it (who has become rather unbelievable in the most recent Preston/Child books). As always with these authors' better books, the interwoven archaeological facts and level of detail are impressive. Nora, the protagonist, is especially compelling and interesting....more

This is an interesting story overall, and long. I think it would have appealed to me more in my 20s though. The biggest problem I have with it is that its believability suffers in part because of the story's pacing and partly because of the rather bizarre form of evil presented. A young, untested archaeologist manages in a week's time to be seriously attacked, get funding for potentially the biggest archaeological dig of all time, and line up the professional participants ... and they're off! ThThis is an interesting story overall, and long. I think it would have appealed to me more in my 20s though. The biggest problem I have with it is that its believability suffers in part because of the story's pacing and partly because of the rather bizarre form of evil presented. A young, untested archaeologist manages in a week's time to be seriously attacked, get funding for potentially the biggest archaeological dig of all time, and line up the professional participants ... and they're off! Then the story bogs down, down, down with excessive details about Indian tribes, lab work, and character quirks. Then the bizarre evil characters become active characters, but you barely feel scared by them and mostly they just seem weird. You do learn a fair amount about archaelogical procedures, Indians, and canyons. Mostly implied (though gross) violence, and one sexual scene that is not overly graphic....more

This is the first book from Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child that I absolutely hated. It is so boring and just plods along like it has no place to go. UGH!

Even the characters are boring and uninteresting: Nora Kelly, Peter Holyrood, Bill Smithback, Aaron Black, Roscoe Swire, Sloane Goddard and Luigi Bonarotti. There wasn't a pleasant person in the entire group. All they did was bitch and moan about the travel to the Anasazi site of Quivira. I thought all archeologists did was tromp from site toThis is the first book from Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child that I absolutely hated. It is so boring and just plods along like it has no place to go. UGH!

Even the characters are boring and uninteresting: Nora Kelly, Peter Holyrood, Bill Smithback, Aaron Black, Roscoe Swire, Sloane Goddard and Luigi Bonarotti. There wasn't a pleasant person in the entire group. All they did was bitch and moan about the travel to the Anasazi site of Quivira. I thought all archeologists did was tromp from site to site. What did these guys think, that a long lost city was out in the open for all to find. Hello! It's only now being found for a reason. Even after they finally get to Quivira and the shit hits the fan, they are still angry and annoying. Damn what a waste of 481 pages!...more

I really enjoyed this one! Preston/Child is always good and in my opinion, this is one of their best. It's the story of a search for the lost city of gold, Quivara, that Coronado had searched for in the 16th century. Nora Kelly finds a letter from her father written 16 years previously that describes his search for the city and she eventually convinces the Santa Fe Archaeological Institute to fund a search for the lost city in the canyons of Southern Utah. This was a really engrossing story andI really enjoyed this one! Preston/Child is always good and in my opinion, this is one of their best. It's the story of a search for the lost city of gold, Quivara, that Coronado had searched for in the 16th century. Nora Kelly finds a letter from her father written 16 years previously that describes his search for the city and she eventually convinces the Santa Fe Archaeological Institute to fund a search for the lost city in the canyons of Southern Utah. This was a really engrossing story and included information about the Anasazi and what could have happened to them that was really fascinating. Eventually, they do find the lost city: a cliff dwelling at the top of a hidden canyon, but it is not as some thought. There are also some mysterious "skinwalkers" who are bent on preventing them from disclosing the site's location and the archaeological treasures that were found. Also along for the ride to document the discovery is Bill Smithback, the reporter from Relic and Reliquary. Overall, a very high recommendation for this one.

What a great adventure! A nice break from fantasy although it had quite a few elements common to fantasy in it. There was witchcraft, ancient mythology, bravery, treachery and travel. The research into the anasazi was thorough and exact as was the archaeology.

I am always in search of a good mystery, suspense, thriller novel. Most that I come across are cliche, have an over written, over used plot, or simply have poor character development. Thunderhead is far from that! The story line is unique with twist and turns that keeps the reader tuned into every page.

Through their co-writing, you were transported to the back canyons of Utah, with Nora and her team. You suffered with them, learned with them, struggled with them and discovered wonderful things wI am always in search of a good mystery, suspense, thriller novel. Most that I come across are cliche, have an over written, over used plot, or simply have poor character development. Thunderhead is far from that! The story line is unique with twist and turns that keeps the reader tuned into every page.

Through their co-writing, you were transported to the back canyons of Utah, with Nora and her team. You suffered with them, learned with them, struggled with them and discovered wonderful things with them.

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.This is my favorite Preston/Childs book so far. Filled with their signature elements -- good writing, intense pace, Southwestern setting, ancient culture, mystery, and of course, horrific beings/monsters on the prowl, this book has it all yet does not go over the top.

I would have given this book a five-star rating except for one underlying drawback:

There are rich characters and a host of delightful "also rans" assembled as an expeditionary team to provide intrigue, yet I do wish the relationshipThis is my favorite Preston/Childs book so far. Filled with their signature elements -- good writing, intense pace, Southwestern setting, ancient culture, mystery, and of course, horrific beings/monsters on the prowl, this book has it all yet does not go over the top.

I would have given this book a five-star rating except for one underlying drawback:

There are rich characters and a host of delightful "also rans" assembled as an expeditionary team to provide intrigue, yet I do wish the relationships among characters, for example, Sloane/Black, Nora/Smithback, Nora/Holroyd, Nora/Swire had been fully developed.

For instance, Nora and Swire have a rift due to the losses of Swire's horses. They have further encounters, but the rift is never fully addressed.

With archaeological novice Holroyd being a member of the team at the invitation of Nora, more could have been done by her to mentor him with respect to the mission and protocols of the expedition.

Sloane is a striking and intelligent woman capable of having almost any man she chose. Without explanation, she confides to Nora that she is attracted to Black, an "also ran." Later, Sloane and Black have a sexual encounter in the darkness that is not in any way part of the plot and leads to nothing further.

To balance this deficiency, the conflict between Sloane and Nora is well developed.

The details that accompany the story are incredible and the scene setting is superb, another hallmark of Preston/Childs, as are the gruesome descriptions of the demise of various characters.

Archaeology, lost ancient cities filled with priceless treasures, unknowable and unnameable terrors in the dark. . .this book has got everything I enjoy in a thriller.

Nora Kelly is an archaeologist at the Santa Fe Institute for Archaeology, whose reputation has already risen far above that of her father, a second-tier archaeologist who got lost on an expedition and never returned. However, one day, Nora finds a letter from her father, written twenty odd years ago, describing the route he took toArchaeology, lost ancient cities filled with priceless treasures, unknowable and unnameable terrors in the dark. . .this book has got everything I enjoy in a thriller.

Nora Kelly is an archaeologist at the Santa Fe Institute for Archaeology, whose reputation has already risen far above that of her father, a second-tier archaeologist who got lost on an expedition and never returned. However, one day, Nora finds a letter from her father, written twenty odd years ago, describing the route he took to the legendary Anasazi city of Quivira -- a supposed city of the priests filled with gold and silver. Despite a run-in with wild animals at her old family ranch, Nora decides to launch a very secret archaeological expedition to follow in her father's footsteps.

This book has all the usual thrills one comes to expect from Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child -- mystery, intrigue, difficult interpersonal relationships, and a two hundred page ramping up of the rising action to get to quite a climax. This book had me gripping the edges and staying up way past my bedtime so I could get to the end. I'm actually surprised I didn't get nightmares. Some of the bits about the antagonist are genuinely terrifying. Best of all -- one of the members of Nora's expedition is Bill Smithback, our favorite journalist from Relic and Reliquary.

I've got to say, I've only read four books by Preston/Child, but each one hooks me and holds me until the very end. Each one is exactly what I want in a thriller novel, and I can't wait to read the next one.

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child know how to scare the shit out of people.

I am a huge fan of Preston and Child. They have a way of writing thrillers that hit every emotion, that are unlike any other novel I’ve ever gotten my hands on, and they just plain make an impact.

Nora Kelly, an archeologist, receives a letter from her father who has been missing and presumed dead for decades. At the same time she is attacked by creatures that haunt her daydreams for weeks after. The letter tells of the leDouglas Preston and Lincoln Child know how to scare the shit out of people.

I am a huge fan of Preston and Child. They have a way of writing thrillers that hit every emotion, that are unlike any other novel I’ve ever gotten my hands on, and they just plain make an impact.

Nora Kelly, an archeologist, receives a letter from her father who has been missing and presumed dead for decades. At the same time she is attacked by creatures that haunt her daydreams for weeks after. The letter tells of the legendary city of Quivara, a city of gold. With an expedition in toe, she leads the group into the canyons of the American west in search of the city and, unknowingly, danger.

As usual the authors are amazing writers, and I love their styles. It’s simple with a dash of something exotic. The characters are all fleshed out with an accuracy that helps you to follow their every move and believe their dialogue. They’re grisly, make you shudder and produce horror on an entirely new level.

There’s a mystery, which is answered with a twist and the most curious of answers. It’s never a cut and dry source for suspense, there are more elements that drag the reader deeper into the story.

Biased I may be, but I’m extremely picky when it comes to mysteries. I’ve read ones that are pure cliché and thrillers that just bore me with their corny premises. I praise these authors, and this book, because of how well it was written, how on the edge of my seat it pushes me, and because it’s a damn good thrill ride....more

The adventure is marginally higher than the suspense in Preston and Child's sturdy new tale of scientific derring-do, concerning a search for Quivira, the legendary Anasazi Indian City of Gold. The authors know what buttons to push and levers to yank, perhaps too well. The novel has a clockwork feel, from its first tick, the spooky stalking of archaeologist Nora Kelly on an isolated New Mexican ranch, to its last tock. Playing it safe, Preston and Child take no missteps as Nora finds an old lettThe adventure is marginally higher than the suspense in Preston and Child's sturdy new tale of scientific derring-do, concerning a search for Quivira, the legendary Anasazi Indian City of Gold. The authors know what buttons to push and levers to yank, perhaps too well. The novel has a clockwork feel, from its first tick, the spooky stalking of archaeologist Nora Kelly on an isolated New Mexican ranch, to its last tock. Playing it safe, Preston and Child take no missteps as Nora finds an old letter from her long-missing father with clues to Quivira's location; leads an expedition of central-casting types (a leathery old cowboy, a beautiful female photographer, the jokey journalist who figured in Relic and Reliquary, etc.); after much difficulty, discovers Quivira, which is revealed as a repository of ancient evil; and encounters death by way of the Native American witches who threatened her at the novel's start. It's all predictable but rarely dull. The authors display deep affection for the pulp they're recycling, talent for exciting set pieces, a hazardous ascent along a ridge toward Quivira and the flash-flooding of the canyon harboring the city are showcases of action writing and, always their ace, the ability to infuse every aspect of their story with authentic techno-scientific lore. This is a novel in which the archaeological niceties of ancient black-on-yellow micaceous pottery are as important to plot as the caliber of the gun the heroine wields. Fans of the authors' similarly inspired, and similarly metronomic, scientific textbooks-cum-thrillers should find this one much to their taste. (Amazon blurb)

Standard thriller which takes place in the Four Corners area of the American Southwest. Truthfully, I was not overly impressed with the story, but it was entertaining enough to while away a few hours....more

The story takes place in Utah and New Mexico, and focuses on Nora Kelly (who is also in Cabinet of Curiosities), a young archaeologist who receives a letter from her father, who had been dead for years, telling her that he has found a fabled lost city in the desolate canyons of Utah. Then at her family's deserted ranch, she is set upon by two people wearing wolf skins who obviously mean her harm.

She is able to get an expedition together and the group sets out in search of the lost city. It is noThe story takes place in Utah and New Mexico, and focuses on Nora Kelly (who is also in Cabinet of Curiosities), a young archaeologist who receives a letter from her father, who had been dead for years, telling her that he has found a fabled lost city in the desolate canyons of Utah. Then at her family's deserted ranch, she is set upon by two people wearing wolf skins who obviously mean her harm.

She is able to get an expedition together and the group sets out in search of the lost city. It is not an easy trip; the canyons are narrow, water is scarce, and the group of people that are traveling together are diverse in their expectations of what will happen once they find their target. However, once they do reach the lost city, weird things start happening with deadly consequences.

Mystery and suspense fans will LOVE this book. There is fast-paced action, the characters are believable and the book will keep you turning page after page....more

This is the first Preston/Child novel that I have read although I have seen the adaptation of Relic. Based on that I expected this book would feature more suspense and horror than it did. But this is not a bad thing in this instance. What the book does provide is an enjoyable adventure tale that includes suspense and horror in reasonable measure. I found the novel quite enjoyable and plan to read more of these author's works.

Earlier this year I read "The Cabinet of Curiosities", which a friend of mine found in a box at the Recycling Center and brought to me. In that book, "Thunder head" was referenced obliquely, so I ordered it. Like "Cabinet", this book is a quick read with no hidden subtext or symbolism, just a straight science-based adventure story. I found this book to be reminiscent of Tony Hillerman in its descriptions of the southwestern landscape and the utilization of Indian lore as part of the story. Also,Earlier this year I read "The Cabinet of Curiosities", which a friend of mine found in a box at the Recycling Center and brought to me. In that book, "Thunder head" was referenced obliquely, so I ordered it. Like "Cabinet", this book is a quick read with no hidden subtext or symbolism, just a straight science-based adventure story. I found this book to be reminiscent of Tony Hillerman in its descriptions of the southwestern landscape and the utilization of Indian lore as part of the story. Also, in general, I find Preston and Childs to be reminiscent of Michael Crichton from the eighties in it's use of science and technology to support the story.

If you like pure adventure and smooth prose without a deeper message or artistic aspirations, this is the book for you. I myself will be reading more by these guys in the future....more

A very enjoyable read. Though Pendergast is not present in this book, there is a good amount of back-story info on relevant characters pursuant to the continuation of the Pendergast series. This book would make an adventuresome/thrillseekers delight;on the edge of your seat type movie. The impressibly written perception of the dire state of environment/scenery would make a significant challenge to those responsible for bringing such impressions to the big screen. For those who have ever ponderedA very enjoyable read. Though Pendergast is not present in this book, there is a good amount of back-story info on relevant characters pursuant to the continuation of the Pendergast series. This book would make an adventuresome/thrillseekers delight;on the edge of your seat type movie. The impressibly written perception of the dire state of environment/scenery would make a significant challenge to those responsible for bringing such impressions to the big screen. For those who have ever pondered (as I have) the raw archeological (treasure seeking) experience accompanied with the thrills and dangers of the journey resulting in the one of kind / history making find. Then you might want to give this one a go. Hey, who didn't like "Raiders of the Lost Ark"?...more

This isn't the first book I've read by this author combo, but it's definitely my favorite from them! Twists and turns I didn't see coming, exciting adventure, history and myth all rolled into one, and a solid, satisfying ending. Highly recommend to adventure readers!

This was a fantastic read, and great story by Preston & Child, who are certainly at the top of my favourite authors list.

It's a fast paced, adventure/treasure hunter that incorporates a sense of dread as well as long for past family secrets. Throw into the mix is some great Anasazi folklore that is set in the canyons and valleys and plateaus of the American southwest - pictographs, legends abound.

It's hard to classify this as a horror novel, because it also falls into the thriller and adventThis was a fantastic read, and great story by Preston & Child, who are certainly at the top of my favourite authors list.

It's a fast paced, adventure/treasure hunter that incorporates a sense of dread as well as long for past family secrets. Throw into the mix is some great Anasazi folklore that is set in the canyons and valleys and plateaus of the American southwest - pictographs, legends abound.

It's hard to classify this as a horror novel, because it also falls into the thriller and adventure genre.

If you haven't read Preston & Child - this is a good place to start as it is stand-alone novel, unlike the Pendergast series of fantastic books....more

I really like the books by Preston and Child! This one is our first introduction to Nora Kelly who makes a later appearance in the book,The Cabinet of Curiosities, while Smithback(from Relic) is back there's no sign of Pendergast. It's an interesting tale of Nora looking for Quivara, a Native American settlement that may have been the fabled City of Gold that Spanish explorer Coronado was looking for. I liked how Preston and Child link in a lot of Native American legend along with intersting facI really like the books by Preston and Child! This one is our first introduction to Nora Kelly who makes a later appearance in the book,The Cabinet of Curiosities, while Smithback(from Relic) is back there's no sign of Pendergast. It's an interesting tale of Nora looking for Quivara, a Native American settlement that may have been the fabled City of Gold that Spanish explorer Coronado was looking for. I liked how Preston and Child link in a lot of Native American legend along with intersting facts about archaeology in this book. I definitely plan to read more by them. ...more

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child’s Thunderhead is a fairly by-the-books archaeological thriller. This isn’t to say it’s bad; if that’s the genre you’re in the mood for, it’ll satisfy. It ticks off all the right suspense boxes, kicking the danger in early and ratcheting it up at regular intervals. There are plenty of discoveries and setbacks, new friendships and new enmities.

There are only two real downsides. One is that most of the characters are stock characters, stereotypes. (Ahh, the ruggedDouglas Preston and Lincoln Child’s Thunderhead is a fairly by-the-books archaeological thriller. This isn’t to say it’s bad; if that’s the genre you’re in the mood for, it’ll satisfy. It ticks off all the right suspense boxes, kicking the danger in early and ratcheting it up at regular intervals. There are plenty of discoveries and setbacks, new friendships and new enmities.

There are only two real downsides. One is that most of the characters are stock characters, stereotypes. (Ahh, the rugged cowboy horse-wrangler with a heart of gold.) There are some exceptions to that however, so that isn’t a huge problem. Other than that, there just aren’t many surprises here. Because it sticks carefully to expected parameters, there’s never any real doubt as to who will succeed, who won’t, who’ll die, who won’t, etc. There are only minor variations on a theme rather than any real shockers. All the pieces of the whole are appropriate, fun, and suspenseful, if not overly thrilling.

I thought this was a great summer read! I only wish I read it on my kindle because there were a bunch of words I found myself looking up, and I love how easy it is to tap the word on the kindle screen to get the definition.

Before I started I had prepared myself for some slow parts, since I found the beginning of Relic a bit slow. This was a fast read right from the beginning. I would recommend this book if you like adventures with a bit of mystery and creepiness.

I was really bored most of the time actually. I guess I'm not really into archeology and witchcraft. Wasn't particularly fond of any of the characters. Confused Aaron and Aragon well until later in the book because they stick out to me. No comedy, not much of a mystery, practically no romance.Last hundred pages picked up. That part wasn't bad.*minor spoilerI WAS really impressed with the description of the flash flood. It was thorough and told me things I never knew

I knew I had to read this one when I saw it was about how Nora Kelly and Bill Smithback met. Since I know how the relationship played out, it was a little anti-climactic and bittersweet. Still, an excellent stand alone book. You care about all the characters, even the slightly sleazy ones and there are some good surprises. Again, suspension of disbelief is big in all the Preston and Childs books, even one dealing in archeology. Gorgeous settings, this would make an excellent movie for the scen I knew I had to read this one when I saw it was about how Nora Kelly and Bill Smithback met. Since I know how the relationship played out, it was a little anti-climactic and bittersweet. Still, an excellent stand alone book. You care about all the characters, even the slightly sleazy ones and there are some good surprises. Again, suspension of disbelief is big in all the Preston and Childs books, even one dealing in archeology. Gorgeous settings, this would make an excellent movie for the scenery alone. Even if you are not a fan of the other Preston and Childs novels that this is a spinoff of,(does such a person exist?) enough is explained that the story is clear and Nora Kelly is the main character. She later appears in a Pendergast book, but that does not take away from the story here. She is strong, intelligent and can take care of herself. In fact. without her, Smithback would not have survived. No more spoilers, a good book....more

Love Preston & Child!!! After reading Cabinet of Curiosities, I had to read Thunderhead to get the backstory on Nora Kelly. Thunderhead should ideally be read after Relic and Reliquary, but before C of C's.

The level of research that these guys put into their novels is truly impressive. I've been to Sante Fe and visited the cliff dwellings at Bandelier National Park, but I'm now motivated to learn more about the Anastazi. Fascinating.

What did I enjoy about this book? It was set if the Utah canyon county. The story was about archeologists hunting for Anasazi ruins. Unknown enemies were trying to stop the protagonists from their goal, using fear, deadly poison, and worse to stop the encroachment into their territory.It was a nail biter toward the end and great fun to read.

A young archaeologist leads a dangerous expedition looking for Quivira, the fabled Anasazi "Lost City of Gold," after receiving a mysterious letter from her father who has been missing for sixteen years.

Spellbinding! Preston and Child have set the standard in defining the page-turner. Best adventure book I've read in years!

Sometimes these type of stories can be really cheesy, but the authors definitely know what they're talking about here. It doesn't matter what is based on fact and what isn't, because archaeology is mostly speculation anyway. I really enjoyed this book.

I bought this book to read on the plane for a recent trip and it was so bad. So very, very bad. Unbelievable and unlikeable characters in unbelievable circumstances. I will not rant here about the portrayal(s) of native southwestern cultures but DAMN was it deplorable.

Douglas Preston was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1956, and grew up in the deadly boring suburb of Wellesley. Following a distinguished career at a private nursery school--he was almost immediately expelled--he attended public schools and the Cambridge School of Weston. Notable events in his early life included the loss of a fingertip at the age of three to a bicycle; the loss of his two frDouglas Preston was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1956, and grew up in the deadly boring suburb of Wellesley. Following a distinguished career at a private nursery school--he was almost immediately expelled--he attended public schools and the Cambridge School of Weston. Notable events in his early life included the loss of a fingertip at the age of three to a bicycle; the loss of his two front teeth to his brother Richard's fist; and various broken bones, also incurred in dust-ups with Richard. (Richard went on to write The Hot Zone and The Cobra Event, which tells you all you need to know about what it was like to grow up with him as a brother.)

As they grew up, Doug, Richard, and their little brother David roamed the quiet suburbs of Wellesley, terrorizing the natives with home-made rockets and incendiary devices mail-ordered from the backs of comic books or concocted from chemistry sets. With a friend they once attempted to fly a rocket into Wellesley Square; the rocket malfunctioned and nearly killed a man mowing his lawn. They were local celebrities, often appearing in the "Police Notes" section of The Wellesley Townsman. It is a miracle they survived childhood intact.

After unaccountably being rejected by Stanford University (a pox on it), Preston attended Pomona College in Claremont, California, where he studied mathematics, biology, physics, anthropology, chemistry, geology, and astronomy before settling down to English literature. After graduating, Preston began his career at the American Museum of Natural History in New York as an editor, writer, and eventually manager of publications. (Preston also taught writing at Princeton University and was managing editor of Curator.) His eight-year stint at the Museum resulted in the non-fiction book, Dinosaurs in the Attic, edited by a rising young star at St. Martin's Press, a polymath by the name of Lincoln Child. During this period, Preston gave Child a midnight tour of the museum, and in the darkened Hall of Late Dinosaurs, under a looming T. Rex, Child turned to Preston and said: "This would make the perfect setting for a thriller!" That thriller would, of course, be Relic.

In 1986, Douglas Preston piled everything he owned into the back of a Subaru and moved from New York City to Santa Fe to write full time, following the advice of S. J. Perelman that "the dubious privilege of a freelance writer is he's given the freedom to starve anywhere." After the requisite period of penury, Preston achieved a small success with the publication of Cities of Gold, a non-fiction book about Coronado's search for the legendary Seven Cities of Cibola. To research the book, Preston and a friend retraced on horseback 1,000 miles of Coronado's route across Arizona and New Mexico, packing their supplies and sleeping under the stars--nearly killing themselves in the process. Since then he has published several more non-fiction books on the history of the American Southwest, Talking to the Ground and The Royal Road, as well as a novel entitled Jennie. In the early 1990s Preston and Child teamed up to write suspense novels; Relic was the first, followed by several others, including Riptide and Thunderhead. Relic was released as a motion picture by Paramount in 1997. Other films are under development at Hollywood studios. Preston and Child live 500 miles apart and write their books together via telephone, fax, and the Internet.

Preston and his brother Richard are currently producing a television miniseries for ABC and Mandalay Entertainment, to be aired in the spring of 2000, if all goes well, which in Hollywood is rarely the case.

Preston continues a magazine writing career by contributing regularly to The New Yorker magazine. He has also written for National Geographic, Natural History, Smithsonisan, Harper's,and Travel & Leisure,among others.